The official blog of center fielder Marlon Byrd

10/2 “I don’t shut down”

The season’s over, but I’ve got work to do. I’m different. I’m big on having my body ready. Playing center field, especially at my age, I have to make sure I can go out there and just run around like crazy for nine innings. The first two weeks after the season ends, I’ll eat nothing but raw vegetables. I do a detox and cleanse my whole body. Do steam showers every day. I do epsom salt baths for six minutes every night, just to draw out everything. Once a week, I’ll do dead lifts, as heavy as possible, probably like 415 pounds, one rep, six sets of that.

I don’t shut down. There’s no such thing to me. I feel if you shut down, then you have to rev back up. I don’t want to start back up further down from where I started. After a two-week span, I start doing my lifting, about the middle of October, and start getting into it slowly. In November, it’s more getting my core strength and flexibility back along with my lifts and I’ll do a lot of kettlebell stuff, kettlebell movements. In December, I start boxing and get my sprinting in and go a little heavier and start work on getting my strength up. That’s when I start doing my traveling and go to San Francisco to work with Victor Conte and his group. I go down to Florida and work with my trainer there, Terrence Thomas — I’ve been with him seven years, going on eight years now.

I have to talk to Rudy about when I should come out and start hitting. Usually I start hitting Jan. 1. This year I might start a little earlier and get a week with him sometime in December, probably right before the Christmas holidays.

In January, I ramp it up. January is full power moves and I do my heavy workouts and transfer it more into my in-season routine. I’m hitting, throwing, doing my boxing, doing my sprinting. That’s it, all day long.

How about working on some patience at the plate with RISP and not hacking at the first pitch? That could improve your average and would have won us a few more games. Weren’t you something like 0-fer 40 with bases loaded?

I also don’t get payed millions. When you become a baseball player, you subject yourself to public critisicm. You can have the best work ethic and attitude ever, but if you have a bad year, its only natural that you will get criticized.

That said, I do love your work ethic Marlon! Now if you could just rub off your hardworkingness on Alfonso Soriano…

Holy shit, Marlon. I know you’re a pro and all, but da-yum. I try to keep reasonably fit, but now I feel like a pimple. Keep it up. You’re a joy to watch, in part because of you’re attitude and effort.

Marlon…i got to see you play in person for the last 50 games…there is no doubt in the hard work that you put into preparing for your games…i saw this for my own two eyes…and i am not surprised to hear about your conditioning routine in the off season…you are an amazing athlete and we cannot wait to see you and your big smile in 2012! see you then and until then…DO WORK BYRDIE!

Hey Marlin, You are one of my favorite Cubs. I admire your dedication to
the game, your talent and most of all your happy smile on the field. You
bring joy to the game and it is fun to watch your enthusiasm. You and
Darwin Barney show a great respect for the game and are great players.
You both make the games fun to watch with your energy and positive
attitudes. Can’t wait for the games to begin in 2012.

I guess that’s what they are saying. So even though the players would be nothing without fans, we have no right to complain when we aren’t happy. Doesn’t make sense does it? Byrd is supposed to be an rbi guy, and he is failing to produce. He’s a nice guy, but he is a backup at best. I don’t care how nice you are, the best players need to be playing.

Backup at best? Seriously? Wow…cause we probably could trade him and get something in return, I mean, Center is a skill position, and he plays very good center field. He even hits a little. Go make your wish list, go look at other center fielders, and find one you like. Keep in mind Reed Johnson’s offensive numbers drop off when he’s asked to play CF full time. Go compile a list, including current salaries, and show me a player who costs less than 10 mil, gives you Byrd’s glove, hits better in center field, and is going to be a free agent in the next two years. I don’t know the roster of every team in the league, but that might be a bit of a challenge to find. And please don’t say Campana or some guy in the minors, unproven players can only be judged off tools and your not judging Byrd off his tools so you can’t judge the rooks off theirs either. Also keep in mind you’re judging Byrd off his career, not just one down year. You should factor in the down year, but it dosen’t tell the whole story.

Yes, I meant what I said, a back up at best. We could trade him, and I would love to see that happen. I love the fact that he has a great personality and hustles; however, that does not mean that he should be a starter. I definitely do not want Reed Johnson starting either, don’t know where you get that from. Yes, it should go to a minor leaguer, how else are you going to find out if they can play the position? The Cubs more than likely are not going to be in contention next year, just like we knew they wouldn’t be this year. That would be the perfect time to try a young guy. I don’t know how many times I had to watch Byrd come up and swing at the first pitch he saw and kill a rally, its ridiculous, especially from a veteran. Yes, he has had a decent career; however, he is also getting older, so I don’t really see him going up from here. Again, he would be great to keep around as a back up, but I don’t see why he should be starting when we should be seeing what we have in the minors for the future.

Marlon–your dedication to physical fittness should inspire out of condition characters like myself to make some changes. for every blogger that snipes at you you have hundreds of fans that appreciate your dedication to a very difficult multi-phasic sport.

Marlon I just wanted to let you know that some of us fans understand that baseball is a funny game, where effort dosen’t always translate into reward. Yes you may have a little bit of work to do in the hitting department, but what this posts demonstrates is that….well, you ALWAYS see yourself as having a lot of work to do. Playing in Chicago really freaks some players out mentally because you have so many fans who don’t really get the game. Our fans aren’t as ignorant as the ones in LA, but even the ones who don’t know anything about baseball still have opinions. Some of us diehard cubbies supporters are hardcore baseball fans, but there can be an element of the opinionated and uninformed. You get great jumps in center, and have a stellar glove. You track down balls you have no right to get to. You are a professional hitter who knows his craft. One off year doesn’t change that. Your a team player that gives back to the fans, and your a big part of this Cubs team. Teach the young players your passion for the game, teach them with your example. Its exactly what the Cubs need…well that and a couple more top tier starters. Have a great off season, do your work, and you’ll have a great comeback year.

Marlon, I admire the hustle and hard work you put in every day, it shows when your in the field. Yes a lot of cubs fans are well aware of your really poor BA with RISP this season and if you were lazy like Soriano I’d join right in on bashing you but the thing that disappoints me most as a fan is the 2 spring trainings that you’ve been to down here in Arizona, I’ve never seen you sign an autograph at all the practices I went to at fitch field. Every time it was a different excuse. Comeon man, when a 5 year old kid asks you for an autograph (seen this happen twice), you just sign it.. It’s the young kids that want to grow up to be professional ballplayers still…

I didn’t post that Marlon is a lousy CF. I happen to think he plays a great CF. But fact are facts when it comes to hitting. OK, Maybe he didn’t go 0 fer 40 with the bases loaded- it just seemed like it. But hitting .198 with RISP and only 35 RBI is a fact. Did getting beaned have something to do with it? That was horrible and maybe it did affect him when he came back. Marlon seemed to be finding a grooove right when that happened.
I’ve probably been a Cub fan for more years than you are old, and have both played and coached baseball. I watch a lot of their games, and what I saw that was so maddening was his continously swinging at first pitches and failing to work counts.
I can’t find the stats to show how many first pitches he made outs on vs hits, but I’d bet it was a wide margin and I challenge you to show me the stats that prove me wrong.. Many of those at-bats came with scoring opportunities and when you’re batting 5 th or 6th in the order you’re there to produce, and bottom-line was he just didn’t get it done.
I appreciate that he works hard to stay in shape during the off season. All I’m saying is that I think his biggest problem was lack of patience at the plate and he needs to focus more on that as much as squatting 415 lbs. And to be fair, he wasn’t the only player on the team with that problem.

Agree whole-heartedly with above analysis and Rudy and Marlin would probably agree. Really important he regains his balance at the plate and hits to all fields as a year ago when he was on the all-star team. Marlon is a baseball player trapped in a football body and probably at risk for getting out of synch. He cares but Carlos Pena thinks its great when everybody goes to right field when he is swinging for the fence.

Marlon hit .282 with runners in scoring position (RISP), .293 RISP w/2 outs, and .333 w/bases loaded in 2010. This year, Ramirez, who obviously had a great season, hit only .278 w/RISP, .211 RISP w/2 outs, though he did hit an impressive .500 w/bases loaded. Sometimes players have an off year with stats, but stats don’t always give you the whole picture. One example of this, stats don’t account for the times that players hit the ball hard in clutch situations, but unfortunately right at someone. Does this make them not clutch? Marlon Byrd is one the most valuable players in the Cub’s organization.

Marlon, I like you’re attitude but don’t burn yourself out in the offseason too much. Not a bad year for you this year but it must be hard playing for this cubs team that is not winning. I hope you hit well over .300 this year and maybe get traded to a contender even if you like playing in chicago, even though we love you on the team but you deserve a world series ring.

It appeared that Marlon had an issue at the beginning of the year with actually pulling the ball or hitting with some power to it. Right as he got hit, it seemed he was beginning to find his groove. I think it held him back. This year was an overall bad year for the team. We can’t just put all the blame on him because this is his blog. For as much as Rudy is getting paid, there honestly seems to be no difference in Cubs hitting even before he got there. I know Marlon says that he swears by him….but……idk. You can see as the season wore on that bad play, not winning and getting beat up by the media just grew on the team. Seemed like everyone was happy for the season to be over.

Tony, not sure where you got the numbers re: Byrd’s stats but this year he hit .198 with RISP; .194 RISP with two outs; and .118 (2-for-17) with the bases loaded. And, he batted .289 on the first pitch with 13 of his total 35 RBIs in those at-bats.

Thanks Carrie. That .289 figure surprised me a bit. Maybe he didn’t always make an out swinging at the first pitch -but there were a lot of feebly hit foul balls, too. I just wanted to see him take a few more pitches in crtitical spots and it seemed like he was overly agressive all year. I know ARam had a great average swinging at the first pitch, but he also drove in 90 runs. Marlon (as well as most of the tem) struggled getting the big hit all year. You look at the Yankees- they have plate discipline and work counts and aren’t afraid to fall behind 0-2 or 1-2. Professional hitters shouldn’t because they know if they get ahead 2-0 or 3-1 they have the advantage, but you have to take a few pitches to do that.

I know I am proud to have you as a cub. You are a fighter and take your role seriously. Your body work routine sounds very planned, and graduated, which is perfect as you go from home to life to field life. I appreciate your time in staying strong. Please stay a cub!

He clearly stated that those were the 2010 numbers which were from his all star season. I will have to agree that the 2011 issues he may have had were due to that fastball to the face. It would make me apprehensive to get in there too. He may have not thought he was affected, but I think because of the injury at times he was in a hurry to get out of the box as a means of preventing another mishap. Marlon is a great player, and one hell of a defensive center fielder. Give him time to work over the psychological trauma of getting beaned like that and he will most likely come back much stronger and ready to do his thing.

Give the guy a break! He got pounded in the face with a fastball this year. Its amazing that he had the balls to even get back up there again. Sure he could do better and needs too. Im sure he would say the same thing but all the monday morning quarterback clubs yes i know this is baseball.. is stupid. There is no way half the people on here could even hit mid 90s stuff yet you wanna act like its easy. Get a grip. He makes a lot of money yes but at least he earns it by his hustle and his heart and by not giving up like Z did.. seriously.. Im tired of waiting til next year like everyone else but Byrd isn’t the problem.. Sucky ass pitchers like Z or Grabow.. now you would have a case..

I like Byrd’s hustle, and I also like that he says he’ll work on his hitting earlier this offseason because he was embarrassed by the RISP numbers. Yes, Tony’s numbers for Byrd were for 2010, but baseball is a “what have you done for me lately” business.

I agree that Marlon’s numbers should be higher. I mean he was only posting one blog every three weeks for most of the season and for part of that time he was just sitting around with a broken face! It would be nice to get some regular entries on here. Are there other players you could recruit who actually want to write somewhat regularly?

Why are my posts awaiting moderation, Carrie? Last time it was a glitch, but obviously this time it’s not. Many guys on here are being real jerks, but I’m just writing to Marlon as usual. What if he doesn’t get the message? What will he do then?

I love how you guys think Marlon is going to actually care or respond to your ignorant comments. He is the ONLY veteran on this team who hasn’t quit on the Cubs besides Dempster.While his numbers have dipped, why do you think he is sticking to his training plan that i’m sure trained professionals have developed with him. But i forgot, you guys are have all the brains (especially from your couches with a bag of chips and 6 hotdogs being shoved down your fat ignorant throats).

Yep, we’re ignorant, but you are the one that has resorted to childish name calling, good show. Blogs are for meant for discussion, it is our right as fans to feel the way we want; after all, we are the ones that support the team and pay their salaries. Just because I don’t see the rainbows and sunshine with every move or person in the organization does not make me a horrible fan, it makes me knowledgeable. Yes Byrd hustles, and he never gives up, but when he gets paid like he does and hits in the middle of the order, he should definitely be more patient; after all, it doesn’t matter how much training you do if you swing at the first pitch and kill rallies.

Thank you, Marlon for your blog which has continued to be well-written and insightful as opposed to all the whiners and illiterates on these Cubs blogs. When the Founding Fathers incorporated Freedom of Speech and Freedom of the Press into the Constitution, they had no idea that the general populace would become so ignorant.

As a paying fan, I have every right to complain when I don’t agree with something. Again, blogs are written to be discussed, or else there would not be a comment section. And it’s funny, because you are calling other people whiners, yet you are coming off as a whiner yourself, and if we were illiterate, would we really be able to have this typed out conversation? My point is, if you are going to make fun of us, or complain, at least make sense, and don’t just bash us for not agreeing with you.

Goodness, I didn’t mean to scare you lol. Seriously, I didn’t realize I was such a horrible person for having a different opinion from all of the “true” Cubs fans. I forgot that since I don’t go with all of the moves and support everything that the team does that I must really be an unemployed Sox fan that lives at home with my mommy. On a serious note though, I have the right to my opinion. Byrd is an extremely hard worker, and I admire that; however, Byrd is no the clutch guy he was hired to be. I personally feel he should be a fourth outfielder, as he probably would be on a team in contention. I sure hope this doesn’t frighten anyone away though.

I’m not exactly sure what you’re implying but I’m so glad you like Marlon enough to come on here and comment! It’s nice that they actually post the replies you write. Mine just sit there for me to see and nobody else. It’s like a vortex right here in the middle of The Byrd’s Nest.

As for “secret messages” you’re sounding pretty gross. I don’t know why you’d make that up other than just showing your true colors. Remember that things done in the dark scatter in the light, ty! If you’re scared I guess that’s great because it’s almost Halloween and guess what….no Cubs baseball!! Surprise!

I hope they release my reply because I think you and Marlon will enjoy it. Have fun being you! Somebody’s gotta do it!

I think Marlon has all the potential in the world. But, like many other Cub fans, I would like to see better plate patience and it would be nice if he could give some lift on his swing in the right counts.

Swinging at the first pitch is not a bad strategy depending on the situation.

I love the walk, and I love high OBP’s, but they don’t have the impact of a 3 run home run. Pena had over 100 walks and still didn’t have over 100 runs.

I’m sure Marlon has his own opinions and strategies and I wish him the best in making any needed adjustments for 2012.

Guys – Marlon didn’t have the best year in the clutch. That’s a fact. And I’m sure there’s not a guy on the planet that’s more upset about it than he is. No one plays harder or cares more. He’ll bounce back next year and get it done, I have faith in him. But ripping on him serves no purpose. The guy feels bad enough, and his lack of RBI certainly is no indication of lack of effort. And getting rid of a guy like that would be the biggest mistake ever. His glove is as good as they come (and I don’t want to hear about that one ball he dropped this year that cost us the game, everyone has a bad day). And for the money there’s no way you get a better bat. Plus what he brings to the clubhouse is immeasurable. They don’t make ballplayers like Marlon Byrd anymore. It’s a privilege to have a guy like this on your team. If you’re a real Cubs fan, you show your support for players that put forth the effort that he does. If you want to rip into someone, do it to someone that doesn’t hustle. Not Marlon Byrd.

Keithman, we have read some of your weird notes to Marlon, such as (when you are in the outfield in the third inning tap your glove on your thigh 3 times and I know you are thinking about me-the keithman) what*s up with that?

I never actually said that. Someone else on here wrote something to that effect while mocking me. People really enjoy reading what I have to say to Marlon to the extent that they take time out of their busy days to mimic what I’m saying. They don’t really get the true gist of what it is I’m saying most of the time, but immitation being the highest form of flattery I can’t complain too much. I’m glad you like reading the same things Marlon does and I hope you check to make sure the things you’re attributing to me are actually things I’ve said.

Hi Marlon!
Wow, buddy, you really rock your body hard! That’s pretty amazing. I guess it’s less amazing since you casually threw in the name “Victor Conte” and “his group” as though “his group” wasn’t BALCO, the scientific laboratory responsible for Barry Bonds’ head growing 14 sizes in 8 months. It’s pretty amazing that you would put that kind of information out there publicly, but hey, we’re all looking for an edge and I continue to support you! You might want to check out “Game of Shadows” though because I’m thinking your man, Vic, isn’t putting you in a good situation. The FBI might actually be opening a file on you even as I type this!
Well Marlon, the Cubs were pretty lousy this year. I found that I was more disinterested in the team this year than at any time since I became a fan in 1989 when I was 10 years old. It did free up some of my time to play with my trifecta of kids which was good. I’ll tell you something though, I really do think this team could be really good by the year 2015 when Soriano is finally gone and the new GM has been able to outlive the mess that Jim Hendry made!
Marlon, my brother-in-law Andy and sister-in-law Tara moved to SE Portland to start a church! You should check out their website at http: //www. thesoutheastchurch . com. My brother-in-law Andy even has his Cubs hat on in his picture! He’s also wearing a shirt made by my sister-in-law Tara! I know, I know…amazing, right?
Well Marlon, it’s my birthday today so I’m taking half the day off to go golfing. This is part of my off season exercise program. I will golf once a week until the weather won’t allow it. Then I will go into what I call “hibernation mode” which means I will eat a lot of meat and potato products while watching football. I’ve become a huge football fan now that the Cubs are horrible again. My twin-sister Sadako gave me a DeSean Jackson jersey for my birthday! I’ve never had a football jersey, but as long as I love football I might as well be “that guy”, right?
Well Marlon, happy lifting. Your body is your temple…well, at least the part of your body that is between your forehead and your ear.
Keep up with me at my two blogs:
keenkeith . blogspot . com
dirtwank . blogspot . com
Keithman

Wow! Some of you must have really short memories. I know injuries are a regular part of pro sports, but Marlon’s was one of the UGLIEST I’ve ever seen through 45 years of watching the Cubs! Couldn’t imagine how ANYONE could get a hit with that contraption on his face for half a season. And I really believe bad years like this one take everyone down a couple notches. Thanks for always playing so hard Byrd! Things will be better for you at the plate next year. After reading your post, I’ll be heading for the gym to work out tomorrow!

Geez guys, the guy got hit in the face by a 90 mph fastball!!! Pretty sure that would throw anyone off for a while, if not forever!!! Your a pleasure to watch Marlon. Your all out hustle is the way the game should be played…

I appreciate Marlon Byrd’s willingness to let us into his world and get things from his perspective. He and the Cubs didn’t have the greatest year, which just goes to show that it takes some guts to agree to do a column like this for the whole year and subject yourself to whatever happens and the fans’ comments, etc.

The fact is, there are no guarantees in baseball. All you can ask of a guy is to work hard and have a good attitude. In the long run, those who are professional and are consistent and disciplined enjoy more success. Marlon Byrd has had a successful career and there are reasons for it. It’s a shame that he got injured and that he and his teammates didn’t have a better year, but I think we as fans owe him the respect he’s due. Plus, appreciation to Marlon for writing his blog.

Playing a 162 game season as a team is like fighting a war. It’s difficult for anyone–even the players–to notice or understand why and when success comes or doesn’t come, what the turning points of the season are, etc. One guy can just focus on his job and try to trust and encourage his teammates. I hope that we can also as fans appreciate our players, treat them with class and encourage them.

Marlon, You are one of the few cubs players that I actually enjoyed watching play the game. You hustle every time, play hard, and have a great attitude that should be a model for the rest of the league. I’m glad to see that you have a plan already for the “off season” and are not just going to try and come into spring training and get your timing back. I’m hoping that the Cubs do not trade you and keep you around for many years to come. I have faith that you will continue to be a valuable part of this team and i’m looking forward to seeing you prosper next year.

Marlon i admit this is my first time reading your blog and i want to say sorry for all the respectful so called fans. However, it seems to me that a lot of these people have never played baseball at any level to understand no matter how many good cuts you take at the ball sometimes the defense just makes an outstanding play or they read scouting reports daily to see how and the other players are swinging the bat. You would think since “moneyball” just came out people would be familiar with the scouting techniques that opposing teams use now to make a hitter do what they now instead of just pitching and see where the chips fall. There a lot of cubs players that have bad contracs that you don’t earn their money according to society and most of these bloggers. Let me just say byrd and pena aren’t one of them.

On another note i just attended my first game in the blechers and byrd made it quite experience they way he hustled and didnt turn his head to the pitcher while the pitch being thrown (castro) and interacted with the fans during his down time. What i suggest to a lot of these fans is get off the couch get a glove and bat join a local adult rec team……. learn the game then when they pop out to the catcher with the game on the line with the bases loaded and their teammates put their head down in shame maybe then they will have a ounce of taste what feels like to not produce when it counts.

Well, as I have said before, I have a lot of respect for Byrd, he hustles on every play, but that does not mean that he should be given a starting job just for being nice. Reed Johnson hustles, do you really want him starting for you? Koyie Hill is a great person, would you want him behind the plate for the majority of the games? Byrd would make a great fourth oufielder, he could still start about four games a week and stay fresh in the process, that would probably help his numbers too. As a matter of fact, I believe I remember him saying himself that he was tired by the end of last season (his first season as a starter). And Pena is another story all together. How did he earn his money exactly? He was paid to hit cleanup and be a clutch player. .175 with risp is not clutch, at all. As a matter of fact, his biggest milestone this season was getting 100 walks, but that is even overshadowed by the fact that he struck out 161 times! Are those numbers really what you want from the clean up spot? Also, how is it again that I’m not a real fan? Just because I don’t agree with everything the team does? If I didn’t care, would I really waste my time watching the games and commenting on this blog, especially researching the stats? I also find it funny that you mention playing for a local team, because I do. The funny thing is though, I don’t get paid millions of dollars, that’s the difference. These guys are paid to perform, end of story.

Marlon
I want to say that I have very much enjoyed your play Your love of the game shines through. And your dedication after a beaning to the face and the fearless regard in which you played is awesome! Please, do ignore the people who can find fault with anyone/anything on these blogs.
42 years of seeing this team and you are still a bright spot on this team. I don’t know if you will or won’t be here next season, but for me, I am hoping you are. You bring only good things to a team! Best to you and yours and have a great off season!!

I would think that most all Cub fans appreciate your work ethic and attitude. Hopefully you can appreciate that some of us question your performance. When we see you trying to pull and jerk everything to left field and continually leave RISP, we question your approach to hitting. You are a much better hitter using the entire field and you should quit trying to hit HRs (you will probably hit more that way as well as for higher BA and RBI production). If you were using Pena as a role model last year, he was a terrible role model for hitting. Suggest you also work on your bunting skills.

I think that any player who was really hot just before he was nailed on the cheek bone of is “lead” hitting eye who is able to come back AT ALL in the same year of competition, I can live with the lack of RBI production and the inevitable drop in batting average. Marlon will be fine next year, he will make adjustments and his average and RBIs will be on the up. I am just amazed he did as well as he did do. As for his first pitch hitting..he beat the Yanks with a walk off grand slam that way, but that was before pitchers knew him as they do now. He will adjust, because he is a pro. Statistics don’t lie, but neither do they tell the whole truth. Let’s just wait and see. In the meantime, if someone comes along that can field, throw (did you see any drop in assists at third and at at home?) and bat day in day out, I am sure the new manager will sit him down, and that is the way it will have to be…but let’s not count Marlon out already. He has come back from adversity before, at least twice before the beaning, and he will do so again. And yes, I know, I’m partial

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